18-200 VR

While taking the lens off the body - should the diaphragm remain open or close ?

As I have only a 18-200 I don't take it off the body, so I don't remember how it should be.

Lately I encounter problems with the focus system (AF was not working closer than ~2m, focusing ring has stiff points over the range - as there was something stuck inside + some grinding feeling). after a little play with the zoom and focus ring it goes free under the 2 m range (3-1m marking), but noticed the VR doesn't work !

I must say I own the lens from 11/2006. On 3/2007 I have encountered problems with the VR system (little before that - the same stiff and grinding feeling), so it was serviced under warranty in Japan and and returned back on 6/2007 ! The lab reported an AF assembly replacement - so I conclude the AF and the VR are a single whole assembly - which gets wrong once again !